Falls Flashcards
1
Q
give risk factors for falls in the elderly
A
- Lower limb muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Balance/gait disturbances (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and parkinson’s disease etc)
- Polypharmacy (4+ medications)
- Incontinence
- > 65
- Have a fear of falling
- Depression
- Postural hypotension
- Arthritis in lower limbs
- Psychoactive drugs
- Cognitive impairment
2
Q
give examples of medications that cause postural hypotension
A
- nitrates
- diuretics
- anticholinergics
- antidepressants
- b-blockers
3
Q
give examples of medications associated with falls (not causing p.HTN)
A
- benzos
- antipsychotics
- opiates
- anticonvulsants
- codeine
- digoxin
4
Q
what beside tests are of use in investigating falls
A
- basic obs
- BP
- blood glucose
- urine dip
- ECG
5
Q
what blood tests are of use in investigating falls
A
- FBC
- U&Es
- LFTs
- bone profile
6
Q
what imaging is of use in investigating falls
A
- X-Rays
- CT head
- cardiac echo
7
Q
what scoring system is used to determine fraility
A
rockwood frailty scale
8
Q
when taking a history of patient with a fall, what is the firs thing you should try and determine
A
syncopal vs non-syncopal fall
9
Q
what is the difference between syncopal vs non-syncopal fall
A
- syncopal: caused by sudden LOC due to syncope, typically triggered by drop in BP
- non-syncopal: other reason e.g. poor balance, tripping
10
Q
what are prodromal symptoms
A
people experiencing syncope often have warning signs like dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness before falling
11
Q
what are common causes of syncopal falls
A
- vasovagal response
- orthostatic hypotension
- cardiac arrhythmias
